Newmai News Network IMPHAL | SEPTEMBER 24 Even as the impasse of the Manipur University persists, the All Tribal Rights Protection Forum Manipur (ATRPFM) demanded today that a person who has no connections with the BJP, the Manipur University Staff Association (MUSA), the Manipur University Teachers’ Association (MUTA) and the Manipur University Student Union (MUSU) should be appointed as vice chancellor of the university. The tribal rights body then said that due to the non settlement of the issue of the Manipur University, a large number of students have been adversely affected. "We demand that the impasse is resolved once and for all at the earliest," the ATRPFM demanded. The ATRPFM then said that, in its view, the students’ union or teachers’ body need not interfere in the appointment of vice-chancellor. It also said that it has been observing for so long, and that, "we are speaking out today as our patience has run out". The ATRPFM then stated that the entire population of the State is facing immense problems following the ban of internet by the State Government following the problems in the Manipur University. "MUSU and MUTA, MUSA and the Government should know that nothing can move ahead without internet these days," the tribal rights body said, adding, "From ticketing to banking, and in all the activities internet has come to play a vital role". The tribal rights body then "sincerely requested" MUSU, MUSA and MUTA to leave the issue, and instead, work for the welfare of the students. "A student body and teachers are for the students, and not the authorities for the appointment of employees," said the ATRPFM. "But if they think the appointment is wrong then they should go to the High Court of Manipur," it asked. The ATRPFM then pointed out that due to the impasse in the university students could not get results of their examinations. It then said that MUSU, MUSA and MUTA and the Government did not understand the difficulties faced by the students and people of Manipur. "There is a limit for everything, and when one crossed the limit then the consequences would be detrimental in all respects", the ATRPFM cautioned. Finally, the tribal rights body warned that "if the interests of the tribal students are not taken into consideration and exploited further, tribal people would be compelled to take their own course of action".
